Manimaran Siddharth’s name will forever be etched in IPL history. The 25-year-old left-arm spinner sent shivers down the spine of cricketing royalty Virat Kohli, dismissing him for his maiden IPL wicket in a dream debut for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2024.
Long Road to IPL Spotlight
While the dismissal of Virat Kohli is a moment Siddharth will cherish, his journey to the IPL has been one of perseverance. Previously associated with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2020 and Delhi Capitals in 2021, injuries hampered his progress.
However, his talent shone through in domestic performances for Tamil Nadu and the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL).
Dominating the TNPL: M Siddharth
M Siddharth’s impressive display in the 2023 TNPL season for Lyca Kovai Kings was a turning point. He finished as the tournament’s most economical bowler (with an economy rate of 5.61) after claiming 11 wickets in just 9 matches. This stellar performance caught the eye of IPL franchises during the player auction in Dubai.
Bidding War and Dream Debut for M Siddharth
Both Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore recognized Siddharth’s potential, leading to a bidding war. LSG eventually secured his services for a whopping INR 2.4 crore, showcasing their faith in the young spinner. And Siddharth wasted no time repaying that trust, taking down one of cricket’s biggest names in his first IPL match.
From Fast Bowling Dreams to Spin Wizardry
Interestingly, spinning the ball wasn’t always M Siddharth’s intended path. The son of a club cricketer, he initially aspired to be a fast-bowling all-rounder like Irfan Pathan. However, destiny had other plans, leading him to develop his skills as a left-arm orthodox bowler.
Domestic Career Milestones
M Siddharth’s domestic career began in 2019 with a bang. He made his T20 debut for Tamil Nadu in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, taking an impressive 12 wickets.
This was followed by his First-class debut against Punjab, where he has picked up 27 wickets in 7 matches. He also made his List A debut a couple of years later and has claimed 26 wickets in 17 matches.
Star is Born: M Siddharth
M Siddharth’s journey from a young cricketer with dreams to an IPL wicket-taker who dismissed Virat Kohli is truly inspiring. With his talent and determination, he is sure to carve his own niche in the world of cricket, leaving fans eager to see what he accomplishes next.
